Arthur laid his manservant on the bed. He seemed a tired, but he was better. "What made you fall like that?" Arthur asked.

Merlin smiled painfully. "Nothing, Sire. I'm just overwhelmed to see my mother in such a long time"

He thought it was time to tell Merlin that he knew about his magic, and that it didn't matter to him. He would still love him. Arthur smiled gently. "I know that smile, Merlin. It means you're hiding something. What is it?" He insisted.

"You would rather I not tell you."

"What could be so bad that you—" He stopped talking when he heard the familiar voice of a warlock. A voice that shook Arthur and Merlin to the core.

The warlock had tried to poison Arthur – the slave woman whom they blamed had just been a server of a higher being. Him. Arthur and Merlin had almost died three times each with his constant deceits and magical attacks on Camelot.

Merlin trembled not for himself, but for his village, his mother, his love. Seeing this Arthur took the boy's hands. "I'm not going to let him hurt you or your village" Determination was laced in the prince's voice and the wizard smiled weakly, turning his fears into strength and courage, something he had become quite good at.

Merlin stood up from lying on the bed and walked towards the door to peek out. Arthur followed and watched Merlin's face drop as his mother kissed the man. Arthur rested his hand on the boy's arm comfortingly, seeing the readiness of Merlin to attack him. "Don't hurt him. He may have a weapon, and you don't want your mother to be hurt," He warned. Arthur had obviously made them known by now because Merlin's mother turned towards the boys.

"I'd like you to meet Andrew." She stated, smiling loving at him.

Andrew Lawson turned to Merlin in fake surprise. "So this is your legendary son; and his master, Prince Arthur Pendragon. Well, Merlin, Arthur—"

"It's 'My Lord' to you." Arthur corrected in an arrogant, angry tone.
Andrew bowed and smiled maliciously while ignoring the glares he was receiving from the boys. Merlin's mother, oblivious to who and what he was, her smile turned awkward.

"Sorry mum, but Liz wanted Arthur and me to go meet up with Edward at the lake."

His mother's smile faded a little, but she nodded. "Have fun"

Merlin nodded to Andrew, not making eye contact. "Nice meeting you," He smiled politely, which Merlin's mother took at a start to Andrews acceptance, Merlin turned to the door, and murmured, "Bastard."

"Merlin, what if he had heard you?" Arthur laughed once they were outside.
The sorcerer shrugged. "I don't care. At least she'd see what he really is."

Arthur sighed at Merlin's willingness to put his life at risk. They strolled along in silence until they came across a lake at the edge of town. Merlin sat down on a log and watched as Arthur paced seemingly in deep thought. Merlin broke him out of his thoughts by saying "Please tell me you're not planning something against that guy."

They both knew the answer and Arthur raised his eyebrows and asked"You have to ask?"

Merlin groaned. "Well, what are you planning? I want to… I need to be a part of your scheme," Arthur said teasingly.

"I wasn't planning on letting you in on this. Come on, we're going to need Liz's and Ed's help." Arthur started to stride towards the cabin across the lake.

He followed the prince and knocked on Liz's and Ed's door. Ed pulled open the door and immediately stumbled on the doorstep.

"You haven't changed much," Merlin joked. Ed had a reputation for being clumsy.

Ed grinned and pulled Merlin into a hug. Arthur knew Merlin was extremely loved by his hometown. Everyone had welcomed him, or smiled and waved to him as they walked by. He wasn't used to Merlin being the centre of attention but he was glad some people apart from him saw the wonderful person the sorcerer was.

Some of the townsfolk seemed to know him better than others did. At least seven young women had come over to ask him how life was as a servant in Camelot. Merlin had always answered by introducing Arthur and saying that he was the best master he could ask for; even if he was a prat. Arthur took no offense to the boy's gentle banter and called him an idiot in return.

Once they had all stepped inside the house, Merlin introduced Arthur to Ed. Arthur told the siblings Liz and Ed who Andrew really was. They looked at Merlin for confirmation and when he nodded in agreement, they understood. The four spent that afternoon planning and making sure they knew every detail of their plan and that it wouldn't fail.